Hull 0 QPR 0: No fireworks on Humberside as Tigers grind out draw

Hull captain Ian Ashbee has submitted a written transfer request after nine years with the club and is believed to be looking to join up with his former manager Phil Brown at Preston before the transfer window closes.

Ashbee, 34, has been part of the furniture for so long that his absence from the team-sheet yesterday was a shock for the Hull faithful.

Manager Nigel Pearson said: 'We have received a written request from Ian and we are considering it. The timing of it is disappointing.'

Warnock said: 'Adel Taarabt was frustrated because he was being tightly marked and wasn't getting enough of the ball. But he is like that every day in training. I thought he wanted to come off because he was injured, but it was just his pride that was hurting.'

Taarabt returned for the second half but Hull, having been overrun by the Championship leaders in the opening 45 minutes, improved and recent signing Matt Fryatt fluffed a great chance to win the game in injury time.

Hull have lost only once in their last 13 league games after struggling to come to terms with losing their hard-earned place among the Premier League and parting company with Brown.

And this was a real test ahead of Tuesday's sell-out home game against Leeds. Right from the start, QPR played with the swagger of a team with a five-point cushion at the top of the division and it was all Hull could manage to keep a clean sheet after a first half spent under the cosh.

Warnock was almost as frustrated as his captain and said: 'I didn't expect Hull to park their bus in front of the goal, but I still think we dominated the game for eighty minutes.

'We were far too comfortable in the first half but didn't make enough of the final ball. Not enough urgency. All credit to Hull for making it so difficult for us, but it would have been a travesty if they had won it at the death.'